Systems and Methods for Supporting Mattresses

Abstract

The present invention relates to propping mattresses in a healthcare environment for easier access to bed tops. In one embodiment, a mattress support system supports a mattress edge. The support system includes a primary support member and a non-slip foot. The support system also includes a cross member rotatably coupled to the primary support member. The cross member includes left and right arms for supporting a corresponding pair of mattress straps. The primary support member may include a retainer for securing the cross member for ease of storage.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mattress support system configured to support an edge of a mattress, the support system comprising:
 a primary support member;   a foot coupled to an end of the primary support member, wherein the foot is configured to provide a non-slip contact surface between the primary support member and a ground surface; and   a cross member coupled to the primary support member, and wherein the cross member includes a left arm and a right arm configured to support a corresponding pair of straps of a mattress.   
     
     
         2 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  wherein the cross member is rotatably coupled to the primary support member. 
     
     
         3 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  further comprising a handle configured to provide a safe and convenient way to lift and move the support system from one location to another location. 
     
     
         4 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  wherein the foot is a rubber boot configured to slip over the end of the primary support member. 
     
     
         5 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  wherein the foot is a swivel foot configured to be rotatably coupled to the end of the primary support member. 
     
     
         6 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  wherein the foot is a non-slip boot configured to be rotatably coupled to the end of the primary support member. 
     
     
         7 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  wherein the foot is a ball-and-socket foot configured to be rotatably coupled to the end of the primary support member. 
     
     
         8 . The mattress support system of  claim 2  wherein the primary support member includes a retainer configured to secure the cross member to the primary support member for storage. 
     
     
         9 . The mattress support system of  claim 8  wherein the retainer is a spring clip or a Velcro strap. 
     
     
         10 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  wherein the height of the support system is adjustable and wherein the primary support member includes an upper section and a lower section, and wherein the upper section is configured to telescope from the lower section. 
     
     
         11 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  wherein the cross member includes a pair of hooks configured to support a corresponding pair of straps attached to the mattress. 
     
     
         12 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  wherein the cross member includes a pair of pegs configured to minimize slippage of a corresponding pair of straps attached to the mattress. 
     
     
         13 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  wherein the cross member includes a pair of end caps with oversized rims configured to minimize slippage of a corresponding pair of straps attached to the mattress. 
     
     
         14 . The mattress support system of  claim 1  wherein the cross member is configured to slide through a tube coupled to the primary support member. 
     
     
         15 . A method for supporting an edge of a mattress in a health care environment, the method comprising:
 sliding a cross member of a support system through a pair of straps located on an edge of a mattress, wherein the mattress is located on a surface of a bed, and wherein the cross member is coupled to a primary support member; and   sliding a foot of the primary support member towards the bed, thereby causing the cross member to rise which in turn causes the edge of mattress to rise relative to the surface of the bed.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the cross member is rotatably coupled to the primary support member. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the support system includes a handle configured to provide a safe and convenient way to lift and move the support system from one location to another location. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the foot is a swivel foot configured to be rotatably coupled to the end of the primary support member.